Chapter 891: A Relaxed Summer Night....
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
That evening, the villagers had an early dinner and took their stools to the door to enjoy the shade. It was pretty much a gathering of chatting neighbors.
Since there was no television or internet in this era, the villagers would come out and chat. After all, they had nothing much to do at home, If it were winter, they would probably go to bed straight after dinner.
During summer, everyone would go out to enjoy the shade after dinner. They would share their stories with their neighbors.
There were not that many mosquitos in the summer during ancient times because the air was fresh and the environment was perfect. Still, there would be a few mosquitos flying around. The villagers would simply need to fan themselves to avoid getting bitten.
The night wind brought a chill when it blew past, making the villagers feel cool and relaxed. Everyone smiled as they chatted.
“We no longer have to worry so much about wars in Chu Country.”
“Yeah, everyone can rest assured with our new emperor and princess. We’ll be fine as long as they live.”
“l agree. His Imperial Highness has already reduced our taxes. Besides that little bit of tax, the grain we harvest is more than enough for everyone.”
“Not only can we eat our fill, but we can also rest assured. We can even have white rice for every meal.”
“The previous emperor and Crown Prince were evil. They increased our taxes and also forced people to become soldiers. Those two were just sending people to their deaths. It was terrifying.”
“Yeah, there were bandits all over the capital, too. It’s much safer now.”
Everyone was emotional and dared not go out in the past. There was not enough food to go around, either. The people could only eat gruel to survive. They did not even dare to sleep, and even a dog’s bark would wake them.
The previous emperor never cared about the commoners’ lives, but things had changed. People could go out as they pleased and had nothing to worry about.
Moreover, Lan Ruozhu’s people had dealt with all the bandits. Even if there were some remaining, they would not dare to reveal themselves. After all, the authorities were waiting to arrest them. Guards were even patrolling all day and night to ensure people’s safety.
“That’s not all. I heard we’d also have factories and farms here. We’ll benefit from those.’
“Yeah, did you read the newspaper? Every county will have schools in the future. The children in surrounding villages can attend school for free, and the schools won’t charge any extra fees.”
“That’s exciting news! ”
Although the villagers were not as cultured as the people in the capital, the former knew how critical reading was. An entire village would be proud if they could produce even one scholar.
Nonetheless, it was challenging for village folk to provide for their children to become scholars. The villagers were excited that their children could enroll in a school for free.
“The news must be true because the newspaper office belongs to His Imperial Highness. The news can’t report anything without His Imperial Highness’s consent.”
“You’re right. It’s just like the notices from the government office, so it must be true. Now, both of my children can attend school. Besides, paper is cheap now. We don’t have to worry about not being able to afford it.”
“l heard those who do well in their studies will get something called a scholarship.”
The villagers discussed such things enthusiastically.
“The schools will have Imperial Examinations and teach the students many helpful skills. Some will learn embroidery, several will learn martial arts, others can study accounting, etcetera.”
“The schools will teach our children how to produce more crops per acre, too. It seems they’ve thought of everything.”
Everyone became spirited as they spoke. They knew their children would live extraordinary lives because they could learn life skills by attending school. The parents would no longer have to worry about their children’s futures.
The villagers were relieved to hear this news. They were not in the same state of mind whenever they chatted in the past. However, they seemed to be smiling brightly now because they were full of hope.
“I’m pleased with our new emperor and princess.”
“Me, too! Everyone has always liked Prince Ruozhu and Princess Ruobing. It’s even better now that they’re our new rulers.”
“The current princess isn’t Princess Ruobing, but Princess Binglan is just as good. I was shocked when Her Highness visited my house and told me she wanted to buy my cow.”
“l had trouble believing she was our princess because of how soft and gentle she was.’
Everyone’s eyes were full of admiration as they talked about Su Binglan.
“Father, Mother, can we attend school, too?” a little girl asked, her eyes revealing a look of longing.
The girl’s mother smiled, saying, “Don’t worry. You and your siblings can go to school, especially since there’s a lot to learn. You told me you like embroidery, right? You can learn it in school.
“You can learn to read after studying for three years and then move on to learning about embroidery.
“Speaking of which, there’s a shop in the capital that sells school bags, four-piece suits, sweaters, and so on. Those things are from the embroidery shop in Dingzhou. The women who work in that shop earn more than most men.”
Certain things in Dingzhou were no longer a secret. The people also knew about the many great creations that came from there.”
“You seem to know a lot about Dingzhou, huh?”
“l have a distant cousin who lives in Su Teng Village. She sent me some wheat seeds through the courier. Her letter stated that the seeds have a higher yield than ordinary ones.
“She also told me about many other things about Su Teng Village in her letter. That’s why I know so much. The things I read about Dingzhou sounded like legends to me. Now, I believe them.
“Her Highness is in the capital now, and she said she’d build a factory and hire the villagers.”
Everyone’s hearts were full of enthusiasm as they chatted and laughed together.
Su Binglan did not even have time to eat when she returned to the Wei Manor. She looked at the few buckets of milk and said happily, “Now we can make milk tea and ice cream!”
Su Chun and Su Ju were beside their master, watching and helping curiously.
Su Binglan said, “Let’s prepare the fruits first. We have melons, apricots, watermelons, and mangos. Wash and dice them, please.”
“Right away, Master.”
While Su Chun and Su Ju were busy, Su Binglan scooped some plain water into the basin and added some spiritual spring water. She then added sugar and stirred everything together.
Su Chun and Su Ju finished their work swiftly. After washing and dicing the fruits, they awaited their master’s following instructions..